The Conservatives told the Visiter that they will be selecting their front-runner for the position within the next couple of weeks.

Looking set to be a four-horse race as we head towards May, the candidates have been outlining why they think you should put your trust in them at the ballot box.

Dr Pugh, who holds a 6,000 majority, said he thinks the coalition government has got the “big call on the economy right,” but in a departure from coalition policy, he called for an end to attempts to run the NHS ‘like a market’ with departments of the NHS billing each other or the private sector.

John Pugh, the incumbent MP for Southport

As part of his promise, as a prominent opposer of the controversial Health and Social Care Act, he said he would try and get the Lib Dems to end what he calls “a 20-year experiment in stupidity.”

He added: “I am not ashamed to call for a return to the founding principles of the NHS as spelt out by Southport educated William Beveridge over 60 years ago.”

He said he will also continue to fight for a fairer deal for and backing of the north – ensuring it is somewhere that the nation invests.

Dr Pugh said: “My job is to make sure its not a passing fad, that business, training, transport and investment continues to flow our way. Potentially it’s a very exciting time.

“All my political life I have been banging this drum but there is one note people sometimes miss. Northern communities at their best have been supportive, kindly and tolerant places and it does concern me that we don’t lose that quality.

“Locally there are many key initiatives like dementia friendly Southport and support for those in debt that need progressing further.

“There’s a huge amount of work for those who want to tackle the sources of social division, inequality and isolation. That’s how I see the job of MP and that’s why I am re-applying for the job.”

Cllr Liz Savage has been selected to stand as the Labour Parliamentary candidate for Southport in the forthcoming General Election

The Labour candidate, Skelmersdale councillor Liz Savage, who lives in Tarleton, said that if elected, she will fight for faster rail links with Manchester and Liverpool to take full advantage of the investments being made in HS2 and the Port of Liverpool.

Her plans for the constituency also include ensuring everyone is listened to, opportunities for jobs and young people are created and that Southport Hospital is protected by ensuring the NHS remains in public ownership.

She said: “The 2015 election will be really interesting. People turned to voting Liberal Democrat as a tactical vote, but now people know that they are just Tories in yellow ties. It will be very interesting to see what happens in Southport and to see if the Lib Dem vote holds up.

“Voting Labour is not a wasted vote, it is a very strong vote. To have a Labour MP with a Labour leader of the council, is a perfect combination, and will allow us to work closer and more effectively – it will benefit people.”

UKIP Scandidate Terry Durrance

Terry Durrance, who lives in Ainsdale and has been a resort resident for more than 40 years, said this is the first time UKIP has gone into the general election “with a serious chance of winning.”

Mr Durrance said major issues for him, if elected, include removing the UK from the EU, controlling the number of migrant workers, and banning those returning to the country, who have left the UK to fight for the Islamic State.

He said: “Locally, a major initiative which UKIP Southport are working on is the idea to set up a town council. It isn’t another attempt to get Southport out of Sefton, but would be like a parish council, with limited powers and some budget.

“Town centre car parking should also be free before 10am and after 4pm to encourage shopping – we must take action to prevent a further decline.”

Mr Durrance said he would also look to tackle loneliness in the town and sees this as an issue.